Aloud, she muses: "I wonder if they will attack as soon as we disrupt whatever they are engaged in."
“I suppose we will find out soon enough.” He replies to the quarter elf.
The light from the torch barely illuminates the coach. But it’s enough to see the apparition appear once the Paladin removes the canvas.The veteran soldier wasn’t expecting a ghost and is taken aback slightly at its reveal. He watches closely as Kalamin offers to escort out the child.
"Come with us, we'll walk you out of here safely. You'll have your peace child, I promise."
Peace, the word reminds the old soldier of his desire, his longing. To obtain something so simple, yet so elusive. This he could relate to with the poor child, not like other undead he’s encountered.
Then the screaming started!
He barely keeps hold of the torch as he hunches over, covering his ears. He is unable to hear, let alone answer the turtle’s question.
Unwilling to drop his weapon to cover his ears, Kal grits his teeth as they're assaulted by the piercing wail. He steps into the wreckage of the cabin, reaching out towards the apparition. "Come with me, we'll protect you!" He calls out over the creatures' shriek.
The ghost boy peeks out from underneath his arm at Kalamin. He looks terrified, but uncurls and reaches out for the paladin's outstretched hand. It's cold to the touch, and strangely feels solid and fluid at the same time. He pulls himself up with your help, getting to the edge of the wagon with you. All six of the tendrils attached to his body snap and dissipate. The shrieking reaches a crescendo before suddenly ceasing.
Fiery red eyes flare up on the creatures, and they begin to move in on the boy and Kalamin.
OoC: Initiative time my friends. Juno I moved up to a reasonable distance for her Detect Evil and Good to be in range for at least one of the creatures. Glyptemis I also kind of guesstimated
The shadow humanoid closest to your group atop the ridge steps off and begins to float down the 30 foot drop, red eyes focused on the paladin. An entity that had been at the bottom, standing near the western "entrance" to the little alcove created by the ridge moves over towards Kalamin. You realize it isn't actually walking or running, rather it seems to be just barely hovering above the ground. Before it can get close the paladin's glaive lashes out, slicing through the smoky torso and scraping the bone before. The creature lets out a gasp, but continues forward.
Drain Attack - Kalamin 1, Damage - N/A
It raises an arm back and swipes forward, a strange tendril shooting out from its palm at Kalaminthat he leans away from.
Glyptemis begins humming to himself, a multi-toned resonance echoing through his shell. His eyes close for a moment and his limbs elongate slightly, emerging further from his shell. If you look closely, you may see a subtle glow from hundreds of arcane runes that have been etched into the outside of his shell, their glow responding to his melodic hum.
Then, his eyes snap open, their solid blackness having been replaced with a stark white. "Lets get them away from the child..." he says to himself, then shouts, only somewhat confidently "Why don't you pick on... on someone else! Someone that's not a child!" He grits for a moment and four of the runes on his back explode out, arcing over him and whizzing through the air with a high pitched whine that seems to emulate the tone of Glyp's humming. They each strike simultaneously at a different one of the dark creatures with a sharp snap. After they hit, Glyp draws one of his Scimitars and grins darkly towards them as he steps past Lyra, hoping to have gotten their attention.
(Bonus Action) Bladesong (Action) Cast Magic Missile at 2nd level, striking A (5 force damage), F (5 force damage), B (3 force damage), C (5 force damage) (Move) 3 blocks East
The air is filled now with the harmonies of Glyp's bladesong, a welcome reprieve from the shrill shriek these monsters had let out. Four of the creatures are struck by his barrage of arcane magic, rocking their fluid forms with the impact.
Two of them (B & C) let out a rasp, and with a loud crack their heads snap to face the Tortle. A few seconds later the rest of their smoky forms shift in sharp rapid motions to match the turn.
On the opposite side of them, another(D) floats down over the ridge towards Kalamin.
A cloak of shifting gloom swirls around Lyra, seeming to absorb the moonlight, as she concentrates on Protection from Evil and Good.
"Something is deeply wrong here, friends. The woods unnaturally silent. Shadowy dogs. Now undead feeding on other undead. The ghost of a child. You are right to protect him Kalamin. Not all that is shadow is evil, yet these foes undoubtedly are. This must not be allowed to stand."
From behind Leftenant, Lyra seems to dissipate in dark mist and materializes below the ridge some distance to the northeast to line up her shot so as to push the Shadow (F) engaged with Kalamin southeast and away from the paladin and ghost-child. Her eyes strobe darkly once more and the now-familiar jet black beam of energy shoots from her fingertips at the shadow, repelling it backwards ten feet. Then, with protective magic swirling around her, Lyra steps southwest, just north of the closest Shadow (A), shield and warhammer up in melee, hoping to draw its attacks.
Bonus Action: Misty Step (from Fey Touched feat) diagonally to a spot 10' N, 20' E and 10' down from her current position (squeezing SW of boulder)
Action: Eldritch Blast at Shadow (F), attempting to push it away from Kalamin and the ghostly child. Eldritch Blast to hit: 23 Eldritch Blast damage: 10 (force damage) Forced Movement (Repelling Blast): Shadow (F) is pushed back southeast 10' (no saving throw) away from Kalamin and the ghostly child.
Movement: 5' SW into melee with Shadow (A), just north of it.
OoC: To the direct north of you is the lip of a ridge. Directly north of you the lowest it gets is a 10 foot drop. Near the top or center of the ridge, it's a 30 foot drop. The Shadow (A) you're trying to get into melee range with had floated down 30 feet over the edge of ridge in this post (250).
There is a path around that gently slopes down to the west there, around the boulders/rocks.
Lyrasends dark energy flashing across the alcove, striking the Shadow (F) harassing Kalamin. The force of the blast knocks it to pieces - the shadowy form scatters, and blackened bones go flying.
On top of the ridge, one of the Shadows (B) that had taken damage from Glyptemis' spell floats towards the Tortle. It raises a hand pointed at the space above his head, and a twin motes of black flame appear. They circle his head quickly before crashing down.
Shadowflame - Glytpemis DC 10 DEX SAVE, Damage - On failure, take 15 fire damage as your head is engulfed in shadowy flames, blinding you until the end of your next turn. On a success, take no damage and you are not blinded.
Leftenant recovers slowly after the ear piercing screeching halts. He drops the torch to the ground, but is slightly unbalanced as he grabs for his bow (free action). He draws an arrow and fires at the shadowy figure (C) across the way who hasn’t taken an action yet. He had hoped between Glyptemis’ Magic Missiles and his shot to take out the undead before it can act. In the darkness though he’s unsure of the results. He then moves around where Lyra was a moment ago, towards the boulder in the northwest. He’s looking to put some distance between himself and these creatures but not block the path that leads down.
Action: Attack: (To Hit: 9, Damage: 8) Other: Colossus Slayer if applicable, Damage: 7 Move: About 20’ straight west
OoC: Moving forward...Trying to keep this campaign from sputtering as PbP's often do!
GlyptemisDEX SAVE: 16
The bolts of black flame shoot down towards his head but he dodges, and they burn out on the ground instead.
Leftenant's arrow just barely misses the Shadow (C), passing through its misty form but failing to connect with anything solid beneath it. It floats towards Glyptemis, red hot eyes transfixed to the Tortle. It throws out a hand, and a wispy tendril shoots forward.
Drain Attack - Glyptemis 4, Damage - N/A
The bladesingeris too nimble however, easily dodging the strange attack.
The last Shadow (E) moves in on Kal, summoning two motes of fire above his head as had been done to Glyptemis.
Shadowflame - Kalamin DC 10 DEX SAVE, Damage - On failure, take 11 fire damage as your head is engulfed in shadowy flames, blinding you until the end of your next turn. On a success, take no damage and you are not blinded.
((Sorry for the delay. If I still have a turn this round, I'll post what Juno would do))
The hairs on the back of Juno's neck stand on end as the shadow creatures launch into their attack! Juno grabs hold of her amulet tightly and charges forward.
"Lady of everlasting flame, give me strength! Bring your fire to bear! Let your fire wash away the scourge of undeath. Let me be your conduit to purge the shadows from this land!"
She moves as far in as she can and will raise her prosthetic arm. Fire flares at the edges of it. Flame and light spills forth from holes and vents in the armor piece, flooding the area in purifying radiance!
Juno uses her Radiance of The Dawn! The shadow creatures within a 30ft radius of her must make a DC 14 con save, taking 21 points of radiant damage on a fail. Half damage on a success.
Junodarts forward next Glyptemis, a brilliant radiance shining through her arm. The two creatures engaged with the Tortlegive a brief shriek before they're entirely engulfed by the light, blowing their forms apart and sending their bones scattering. The radiance seemed particularly effective against them, searing through the shadows that made them.
Kalamin takes a step back as the tiny bolts of black fire try to take his head, frowning as they burn scorch marks into the ground beneath his feet. Such an attack wasn't like anything he'd seen before. None of these creatures were. Where did they come from?
With a tiny shake of his head he stows the thoughts for later. Conscious of the boy's spirit beside him he stands his ground. As before, he runs a hand along the blade of his glaive, intoning the relevant parts of his oath in draconic to channel the spell. A soft blue radiance outlines the weapon, and he strikes forward against the shadow(E) in front of him.
Action:Glaive Attack To Hit: 20 Damage: 6 + 2(radiant) Bonus Action:Divine Favor Reaction: If a new hostile comes with 10 ft. of Kalamin.
The glowing blade slices through the Shadow's (E)form - and again you notice that the radiance seems to permanently burn away the inky black substance of its body. Hiding behind your leg, the ghostly child whimpers.
Ignoring Lyra's presence with an apparent single-minded determination, the Shadow (A)next to her floats towards Kalamin. As it comes within range his glaive lashes out, radiance burning away almost all of the creature's torso. Weakly, it extends a hand and summoning a pair of dark motes above his head.
Shadowflame - Kalamin DC 10 DEX SAVE, Damage - On failure, take 8 fire damage as your head is engulfed in shadowy flames, blinding you until the end of your next turn. On a success, take no damage and you are not blinded.
OoC: Lyra is also able to take an attack of opportunity against Shadow(A)
Leftenant observes as Kalamin moves past him, acknowledging the knight’s nod with a, “Watch yourself old man.”
“I suppose we will find out soon enough.” He replies to the quarter elf.
The light from the torch barely illuminates the coach. But it’s enough to see the apparition appear once the Paladin removes the canvas. The veteran soldier wasn’t expecting a ghost and is taken aback slightly at its reveal. He watches closely as Kalamin offers to escort out the child.
Peace, the word reminds the old soldier of his desire, his longing. To obtain something so simple, yet so elusive. This he could relate to with the poor child, not like other undead he’s encountered.
Then the screaming started!
He barely keeps hold of the torch as he hunches over, covering his ears. He is unable to hear, let alone answer the turtle’s question.
Unwilling to drop his weapon to cover his ears, Kal grits his teeth as they're assaulted by the piercing wail. He steps into the wreckage of the cabin, reaching out towards the apparition. "Come with me, we'll protect you!" He calls out over the creatures' shriek.
The ghost boy peeks out from underneath his arm at Kalamin. He looks terrified, but uncurls and reaches out for the paladin's outstretched hand. It's cold to the touch, and strangely feels solid and fluid at the same time. He pulls himself up with your help, getting to the edge of the wagon with you. All six of the tendrils attached to his body snap and dissipate. The shrieking reaches a crescendo before suddenly ceasing.
Fiery red eyes flare up on the creatures, and they begin to move in on the boy and Kalamin.
OoC: Initiative time my friends. Juno I moved up to a reasonable distance for her Detect Evil and Good to be in range for at least one of the creatures. Glyptemis I also kind of guesstimated
LT Initiative: 6
Lyra Initiative: 8
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Kal Initiative: 2
Reaction: If a hostile comes with 10 feet of Kalamin
Polearm Master Opportunity Attack (Glaive)
To Hit: 19
Damage: 11
Glyp initiative: 12
OoC: Moving forward
Juno Initiative: 7
The shadow humanoid closest to your group atop the ridge steps off and begins to float down the 30 foot drop, red eyes focused on the paladin. An entity that had been at the bottom, standing near the western "entrance" to the little alcove created by the ridge moves over towards Kalamin. You realize it isn't actually walking or running, rather it seems to be just barely hovering above the ground. Before it can get close the paladin's glaive lashes out, slicing through the smoky torso and scraping the bone before. The creature lets out a gasp, but continues forward.
Drain Attack - Kalamin 1, Damage - N/A
It raises an arm back and swipes forward, a strange tendril shooting out from its palm at Kalamin that he leans away from.
Glyptemis is up in initiative.
Glyptemis begins humming to himself, a multi-toned resonance echoing through his shell. His eyes close for a moment and his limbs elongate slightly, emerging further from his shell. If you look closely, you may see a subtle glow from hundreds of arcane runes that have been etched into the outside of his shell, their glow responding to his melodic hum.
Then, his eyes snap open, their solid blackness having been replaced with a stark white. "Lets get them away from the child..." he says to himself, then shouts, only somewhat confidently "Why don't you pick on... on someone else! Someone that's not a child!" He grits for a moment and four of the runes on his back explode out, arcing over him and whizzing through the air with a high pitched whine that seems to emulate the tone of Glyp's humming. They each strike simultaneously at a different one of the dark creatures with a sharp snap. After they hit, Glyp draws one of his Scimitars and grins darkly towards them as he steps past Lyra, hoping to have gotten their attention.
(Bonus Action) Bladesong
(Action) Cast Magic Missile at 2nd level, striking A (5 force damage), F (5 force damage), B (3 force damage), C (5 force damage)
(Move) 3 blocks East
The air is filled now with the harmonies of Glyp's bladesong, a welcome reprieve from the shrill shriek these monsters had let out. Four of the creatures are struck by his barrage of arcane magic, rocking their fluid forms with the impact.
Two of them (B & C) let out a rasp, and with a loud crack their heads snap to face the Tortle. A few seconds later the rest of their smoky forms shift in sharp rapid motions to match the turn.
On the opposite side of them, another(D) floats down over the ridge towards Kalamin.
Lyra is up in initiative.
A cloak of shifting gloom swirls around Lyra, seeming to absorb the moonlight, as she concentrates on Protection from Evil and Good.
"Something is deeply wrong here, friends. The woods unnaturally silent. Shadowy dogs. Now undead feeding on other undead. The ghost of a child. You are right to protect him Kalamin. Not all that is shadow is evil, yet these foes undoubtedly are. This must not be allowed to stand."
From behind Leftenant, Lyra seems to dissipate in dark mist and materializes below the ridge some distance to the northeast to line up her shot so as to push the Shadow (F) engaged with Kalamin southeast and away from the paladin and ghost-child. Her eyes strobe darkly once more and the now-familiar jet black beam of energy shoots from her fingertips at the shadow, repelling it backwards ten feet. Then, with protective magic swirling around her, Lyra steps southwest, just north of the closest Shadow (A), shield and warhammer up in melee, hoping to draw its attacks.
Bonus Action: Misty Step (from Fey Touched feat) diagonally to a spot 10' N, 20' E and 10' down from her current position (squeezing SW of boulder)
Action: Eldritch Blast at Shadow (F), attempting to push it away from Kalamin and the ghostly child.
Eldritch Blast to hit: 23
Eldritch Blast damage: 10 (force damage)
Forced Movement (Repelling Blast): Shadow (F) is pushed back southeast 10' (no saving throw) away from Kalamin and the ghostly child.
Movement: 5' SW into melee with Shadow (A), just north of it.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
OoC: To the direct north of you is the lip of a ridge. Directly north of you the lowest it gets is a 10 foot drop. Near the top or center of the ridge, it's a 30 foot drop. The Shadow (A) you're trying to get into melee range with had floated down 30 feet over the edge of ridge in this post (250).
There is a path around that gently slopes down to the west there, around the boulders/rocks.
Lyra sends dark energy flashing across the alcove, striking the Shadow (F) harassing Kalamin. The force of the blast knocks it to pieces - the shadowy form scatters, and blackened bones go flying.
On top of the ridge, one of the Shadows (B) that had taken damage from Glyptemis' spell floats towards the Tortle. It raises a hand pointed at the space above his head, and a twin motes of black flame appear. They circle his head quickly before crashing down.
Shadowflame - Glytpemis DC 10 DEX SAVE, Damage - On failure, take 15 fire damage as your head is engulfed in shadowy flames, blinding you until the end of your next turn. On a success, take no damage and you are not blinded.
Juno and Leftenant are up!
Leftenant recovers slowly after the ear piercing screeching halts. He drops the torch to the ground, but is slightly unbalanced as he grabs for his bow (free action). He draws an arrow and fires at the shadowy figure (C) across the way who hasn’t taken an action yet. He had hoped between Glyptemis’ Magic Missiles and his shot to take out the undead before it can act. In the darkness though he’s unsure of the results. He then moves around where Lyra was a moment ago, towards the boulder in the northwest. He’s looking to put some distance between himself and these creatures but not block the path that leads down.
Action: Attack: (To Hit: 9, Damage: 8)
Other: Colossus Slayer if applicable, Damage: 7
Move: About 20’ straight west
OoC: Moving forward...Trying to keep this campaign from sputtering as PbP's often do!
Glyptemis DEX SAVE: 16
The bolts of black flame shoot down towards his head but he dodges, and they burn out on the ground instead.
Leftenant's arrow just barely misses the Shadow (C), passing through its misty form but failing to connect with anything solid beneath it. It floats towards Glyptemis, red hot eyes transfixed to the Tortle. It throws out a hand, and a wispy tendril shoots forward.
Drain Attack - Glyptemis 4, Damage - N/A
The bladesinger is too nimble however, easily dodging the strange attack.
The last Shadow (E) moves in on Kal, summoning two motes of fire above his head as had been done to Glyptemis.
Shadowflame - Kalamin DC 10 DEX SAVE, Damage - On failure, take 11 fire damage as your head is engulfed in shadowy flames, blinding you until the end of your next turn. On a success, take no damage and you are not blinded.
Kalamin, you're up!
((Sorry for the delay. If I still have a turn this round, I'll post what Juno would do))
The hairs on the back of Juno's neck stand on end as the shadow creatures launch into their attack! Juno grabs hold of her amulet tightly and charges forward.
"Lady of everlasting flame, give me strength! Bring your fire to bear! Let your fire wash away the scourge of undeath. Let me be your conduit to purge the shadows from this land!"
She moves as far in as she can and will raise her prosthetic arm. Fire flares at the edges of it. Flame and light spills forth from holes and vents in the armor piece, flooding the area in purifying radiance!
Juno uses her Radiance of The Dawn! The shadow creatures within a 30ft radius of her must make a DC 14 con save, taking 21 points of radiant damage on a fail. Half damage on a success.
Juno darts forward next Glyptemis, a brilliant radiance shining through her arm. The two creatures engaged with the Tortle give a brief shriek before they're entirely engulfed by the light, blowing their forms apart and sending their bones scattering. The radiance seemed particularly effective against them, searing through the shadows that made them.
Kalamin still up.
Kalamin takes a step back as the tiny bolts of black fire try to take his head, frowning as they burn scorch marks into the ground beneath his feet. Such an attack wasn't like anything he'd seen before. None of these creatures were. Where did they come from?
With a tiny shake of his head he stows the thoughts for later. Conscious of the boy's spirit beside him he stands his ground. As before, he runs a hand along the blade of his glaive, intoning the relevant parts of his oath in draconic to channel the spell. A soft blue radiance outlines the weapon, and he strikes forward against the shadow(E) in front of him.
Action: Glaive Attack
To Hit: 20
Damage: 6 + 2(radiant)
Bonus Action: Divine Favor
Reaction: If a new hostile comes with 10 ft. of Kalamin.
Polearm Master Opportunity Attack (Glaive)
To Hit: 12
Damage: 8 + 2(radiant)
The glowing blade slices through the Shadow's (E) form - and again you notice that the radiance seems to permanently burn away the inky black substance of its body. Hiding behind your leg, the ghostly child whimpers.
Ignoring Lyra's presence with an apparent single-minded determination, the Shadow (A) next to her floats towards Kalamin.
As it comes within range his glaive lashes out, radiance burning away almost all of the creature's torso. Weakly, it extends a hand and summoning a pair of dark motes above his head.Shadowflame - Kalamin DC 10 DEX SAVE, Damage - On failure, take 8 fire damage as your head is engulfed in shadowy flames, blinding you until the end of your next turn. On a success, take no damage and you are not blinded.OoC: Lyra is also able to take an attack of opportunity against Shadow(A)
Glyptemis, you're up!
Lyra's attack of opportunity using her dark warhammer hex weapon against Shadow (A):
To hit: 12
Damage: 8 (bludgeoning)
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim